BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

Zachary Levi took center stage at the long-awaited premiere of The Unbreakable Boy in New York City on February 19, 2025, where he reflected on how the film profoundly influenced his faith and understanding of life. 

Surrounded by fellow cast members Patricia Heaton, Peter Facinelli, and Jacob Laval, Levi shared how stepping into the role of Scott LeRette, a father navigating the challenges of raising a child with special needs, was a deeply transformative experience.

Levi, best known for his role in Shazam, described the film as more than just another acting project. “Every experience you have, hopefully, you’re learning more about yourself, about others, and about God,” he said. “As an actor, I was walking a mile in another’s shoes. I was gaining a deeper understanding of another person’s life, which helped me understand life in general better, myself better, God better, and love better.”

Directed by Jon Gunn (Jesus Revolution), The Unbreakable Boy tells the true story of Austin LeRette, a boy with autism and brittle bone disease whose unwavering optimism transforms those around him. Adapted from Scott LeRette’s memoir, the film paints a poignant portrait of resilience, family, and the power of unconditional love. Levi plays Austin’s father, Scott, a man struggling with his past while trying to be a good parent.

Levi, who recently announced he’s expecting his first child, said the film resonated deeply with him. “All of the things that are in the script—Scott’s struggles, his journey through trauma, his path toward healing—I’ve lived through similar experiences,” he admitted. “Fortunately, I’ve come out of those dark seasons, but I know what it’s like to turn to self-medication to cope with pain.”

This personal connection made the role even more meaningful, particularly as he prepares for fatherhood. “Our children are our greatest mirror,” Levi reflected. “I’ve always had the desire to be a dad. Since I was a kid, I wanted to be a father, and now that time has come. I know that it’s only going to make me a better human being.”

Patricia Heaton, who plays Scott’s mother, echoed Levi’s sentiments on parenting and faith. “You have to see your child for who they are, who God made them to be, and not impose your own expectations on them,” she said. The film’s message, she added, is one of gratitude and appreciation for life’s challenges and triumphs.

The journey to bring The Unbreakable Boy to the big screen was not without obstacles. Filmed in 2020, the movie faced multiple delays due to the pandemic before finally making its theatrical debut in 2025. Producer Kevin Downes called its release a testament to the film’s own themes of resilience.

More than just a heartwarming story, The Unbreakable Boy is a celebration of faith, family, and the profound ways in which love can heal. “It’s about radical surrender to God’s plan,” Levi emphasized. “Even when life doesn’t go as we imagined, there’s peace, love, and joy in trusting Him.”

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo from Getty Images